schools
Don’t Lose Yourself
Have you ever felt you were losing yourself? Maybe you don’t even know what I mean by that statement. And, in that case, it probably hasn’t happened to you. But, if you’ve had these feelings, then you know what I’m talking about. This has happened, or come close to happening to me, at several points…
A Week of Records: Bitter Cold Cancels Classes & College Visits, but not a New Job, A Diary Style Post
Dear Diary: This week was really odd. Our school district closed an unprecedented four consecutive days. Colleges canceled classes, and even the YMCA was closed! But, not everything got canceled. Monday: First, it was for a snowstorm in which we accumulated 8 inches in our driveway. We got a text on Sunday evening that school…
The Worlds of Snow Days and Work Days
It is winter in Wisconsin! This means we are in a season of snow, cold temperatures, ice, dangerous roads, the possibility of school closings. Some of the smaller outlying districts have already used some snow days this year by being closed related to weather conditions. Our district, one of the larger districts in our area,…
Technology vs. Kindergarten Skills
Yesterday, I was on my way to grocery shop when I heard a local radio station announcer ask a question of the listening audience. It went something like this, “Today, 70% of children entering kindergarten can use a computer, but only 10% can do this. What is it?” Well, I am not trying to brag…
Poetry Friday: Student Poetry Submissions
Today is Poetry Friday. We are headed into the time of year when I really miss writing poetry with students. For six years, I led a Third Grade Writer’s Circle at the elementary school my boys attended. It started when my youngest was in Third Grade; I was trying to support the love he and…
Plant Catalog Cravings
I have been trying to pick plants to start from seed for the school garden I tend as part of my garden club advisor job. Last year, I purchased plants from a homeschooled teenager who had his own greenhouse business. They were probably the most healthy plants I have ever had in my gardens! Some…
Professional Development & Environmental Education
Well, I am nine days into my final comprehensive exam for my graduate degree in Natural Resources. Two of three answers are fully drafted, and today, I am starting on the rough draft of my third and final question. I need to develop an entire day of professional development in environmental education! While I have…
The Growth of a Soccer Team & the Meaning of Hard Work.
Today’s the day! I cannot think of much other than soccer today, so that is what I’ll have to write about! Our Division 2 High School Soccer team is headed to the State Tournament later today. This is history in the making! Five years ago, our soccer team barely won a match. It was discouraging…
Drawing on What I Know
Have any of you made a mood board? Well, I haven’t either but need to make one for one of my last assignments for grad school. It is to accompany a “Design for Optimal Learning” lesson that I create. Although I know what components I would want to make a design for optimal learning, choosing…